Man, 42, charged with murder of 31-year-old father in Cork

Suspect remanded in custody accused of fatal attack in Cork City that left young father dead

A middle-aged man has appeared before a sitting of Cork District Court charged with the murder of a 31-year-old father of one. Picture: Larry Cummins

A 42-year-old man accused of murdering a Ukrainian man near Cork city centre by allegedly stabbing him in the chest was brought before Cork District Court on Thursday evening.

Detective Garda Kevin Motherway gave evidence of arresting 42-year-old Jonathan Hennessy, of 15 Dr Patrick O’Sullivan Terrace, Upper Aghada, Co Cork, and charging him at 4.25pm on Thursday.

The accused man was charged with murder.

The charge states: “On March 16, 2026, at Knapp’s Square, Cork City, in the District Court area of Cork City in District area 19, he did murder one Oleksandr Zhyvytskyi, contrary to Common Law.” 

When cautioned he did not have to say anything but that whatever he might say would be taken down in writing and could be given in evidence, he made no reply to the charge.

Eddie Burke, solicitor, was appointed to represent the accused man on free legal aid, after stating Jonathan Hennessy was on disability allowance and had no other income.

On the application of Sergeant John Dineen, Judge Mary Dorgan remanded Jonathan Hennessy in custody until March 25 at Cork District Court.

No application for bail can be made at a district court on a murder charge.

Mr Burke said: “I would ask that he would get medical attention on entering Cork Prison.” Judge Dorgan directed that he would get appropriate medical attention.

The accused man wore a black sweatshirt and white track pants and carried a novel in his hands for the brief court appearance. He only spoke to confirm he had no income other than disability allowance when the application was made for free legal aid.

Sgt Dineen said it was alleged that on March 16, at Knapp’s Square at 7.50, the deceased sustained a stab wound to his chest during an altercation. He made his way home and subsequently died, death being formally pronounced at 8.35pm on Monday.

It was reported the father of one, who was in his early 30s, was stabbed just metres from his home at Camden Court apartments on Carroll’s Quay, Cork, when he went out to buy food nearby. He made it back to his apartment where his partner called for help. 

Despite paramedics working to save his life, he was later pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation was launched immediately after the fatal stabbing.